California Department of Parks and Recreation manages more than 270 park units, which contain the finest and most diverse collection of natural, cultural, and recreational resources to be found within California.

The Office of Grants and Local Services administers grant programs that provide funds to local and state agencies and other organizations. Grants are generally for park, recreation and resources related projects.

The State Park System is diverse, preserving large natural areas in all ten of the state's ecological regions. The goal of the State Parks resource management program is to protect, restore and maintain the natural resources in the State Park System.

CEQA - the California Environmental Quality Act, is a statute that requires state and local agencies to identify the significant environmental impacts of their actions and to avoid or mitigate those impacts, if feasible.

Our Mission. To provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state's extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation.

Find a Park Near You!

Passes are also available for purchase at most units of the California State Park System

Upcoming Park Events

Saturdays & Sundays in August at 1 pm
How do redwoods grow to become the tallest organisms on earth? How important are banana slugs to the redwood ecosystems? Why are there so few old ... ... Read More

Saturdays in August at 8 pm
Come join us to roast marshmallows and enjoy games, trivia, and a slideshow on natural or cultural features of the park. See weekly schedule at park exhibits. T ... ... Read More

Bring your family and friends out to enjoy each Friday with us while listening (and dancing) to the music of Sonoma County's top bands. Bring your own food and wine, or purchase food at event. You c ... ... Read More

Ghost Tours - Saturdays, July 25, August 8, August 29, September 12, September 26, and October 24,
Time: 3pm
Walk through town with a costumed guide and hear stories of people from the pa ... ... Read More

Saturdays in July and August will have special events centered around different aspects of San Diego's culture and history. This week we celebrate San Diego's military history, which stretches back to ... ... Read More

Saturday, August 8 at 2 pm
Why are snakes important to us? How do they see, smell, taste, hear? What and how do they eat? What does a snake feel like? Come to the Rancho del Oso Nature and ... ... Read More

Saturday, August 8 at 8:30 pm
Join us around the campfire and discover why bats are the only mammals capable of true, sustained flight. Unravel the mystery as to why these mammals can fl ... ... Read More